The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1887-08-26


life and strained every nerve to give
her dainty little stepdaughter Il suita-
bic education.
But her anlazemcnt and sorrow Were
great when Nell, after graduating with
high honor and bearing off the first
prize in music. declared her intention
of taking the burden of overseeing the
fruit farm upon her own Young Shout
derS.
You worked for ne. mother. now |
am going to work for you, she declar-
ed, reSolutely. Besides, believe l
have Il talent for farming. and I should
like it ever so much better than trying
to grind little music INTO the souls
and fingers of children who haven't the
least natural capacity for it,
so Nell had her way. and besides
LAYING up stock of radiant health by
her outdoor life, had almost doubled
the revenues from their orchards and
graperies.
She was very 10th to give up this busy
life, even for time, and subside into
one of those human lilies who neither
toll nor spin; but she did nothing by
halves. and having once consented to
play the part. prepared for it with a
will.
She wore huge mittenS. filled with
bran. on her hands. till they We're as
roSilv white as sca-shells. She washed
away the little golden brown freckles
that accentuated the creamy fairness
Of her skin. with bnttermilk, and she re-
viewed her wardrobe till she was Ger
tam that every rutfie and ribbon was
in its proper place.
Il was very pretty picture-a per-
feet harmony in blue and gold-that
Lucian Isle saw through the swaving
passion vines thai garlanded the front
forth. rs he swung open the gate, one
afternoon. on the edge Of September.
Nell was sitting in Il camp chair
rocker. her blue Saline dress matching
her starry eyes. and both toning with
blue passion flowers. while her hair
was Il golden trap for the Sunbeams
that slanted through the heavy LEAKAGE.
And is this the little cousin that |
knew wears ago. in Boston, when | was
Il rough hobblc-de-h hoy. and she the
daintiest little maiden that ever step
ped ont of Il fairy tale v he said, Smil-
ING upon the pretty vision.
Nell smiled thanks for the laughing
compliment. and held out a cordial
little palm.
Then Mrs. Graham was called from
the kitchen, where she was vainly try
ing to instruct the thick headed
Gretchen in the mysteries of 4 certain
kind Of tea-cake.
You look so warm and tired, moth
er. Now Just let me whisk on Il ging-
ham dress and 90 and make the tea-
cakes and stir up the snow custard '
begged Nell. when Mr.. Lisle had been
shown to his airy chamber, overlook
ing sweep of red clover where the
bee huzzcd in honey making multi
tudcs.
oh, Nell, You'll break my heart y
sohbcd Mrs. Graham, Il tear or two
mingling with the drops of perspira-
ton that beaded her crimson face.
SO Nell. with sigh, agreed to con-
tinue her part Of Il pretty do-nothing.
That evening Mrs Graham stole
away to have chat with Sally Bean, a
plump and jolly old maid, with turn
for match making. who lived next
door.
lis working like Il charm, Sally,
she said, delightedly. They're sing
inc together. and he's looking at her as
if he couldn't take his eyes off her
Well. my Nell'S take his eyes off her.
Well, nv Nell's every bit coed enough
for him. She if singing like an an
gel to night. and looks us sweet rs Il
violet: and | guess he thinks so, too
Now. if she'd done aS she wanted to.
and .whewcd' round making cake and
butter. and seeing to gathering the
grapes and late peaches. | guess he
won't look at her twice. If girls only
would learn that their mothers know
best she concluded. with sigh for
the fatuitv of girlhood generally, and
pretty Nell is particular.
i told vou it would work as slick rs
a ribbon said Miss Bean. waving Il
huge palm leaf fan with an air of mod
est pride.
By which it will be seen that the
two ladies had carefully planned Nell :
line of action. with an ulterior object
in view. which their had not disclosed
to the pretty girl, for whose worldly
advancement they were laying their
matchmaking heads together.
And nothing whispered to them
that nothing worth the winning Is won
by deceit. idlcnc>s and affection, and
that their hopes would have stood Il
far better chance of fullillment had
Nell been allowed to show herself us
she was-s charming. cultured, ener-
getic Girl who was not ashamed to.
That nioht Iucian held a sOlilOQuV